Which of the characters did you like best? How about least? Why did you choose those two?
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I enjoyed Lady Milton. Even at her advanced age, she displayed growth and change.
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@Susan_Nora she was one of my favorites, too. She was SUCH a snob, but at the same time she had a determination about her that I really enjoyed.
And, of course, could there be many characters more disagreeable than the twins?
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I rather liked Ben. His use of all the aphorisms like “didn’t have a leg to stand on” showed how the deep connection is between language and attitudes toward disability. He became his own hero by the end of the story.
I’d say Cosmo mostly rubs against the grain for me.
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Best: Reggie, Lady Milton, Ben. Ben would be my favorite, by the end of the book he had renewed hope, trusted his own instincts, realized he was not a lost cause but a brave caring man. He was healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Least: the rest of the Milton family. Selfish spoiled snobs.
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Ben is definitely my favorite in this book. He started out so pathetically, and with good reason after losing his leg during the war but receiving no help or sympathy from his parents. So sad that he had to live life like that for several years. But then he finds the House by accident on a snowy night and by accident becomes “the butler” the night of the play. We see a different Ben, who is darkly funny and becomes helpful (also by accident), ma. Loved him!
My least favorite: probably the twins. So obnoxious!
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Lady Milton really grew on me. She was so funny, and her insight on various relatives and other characters, was so interesting and comic. She said what we all think, but don’t have the courage to say. She was great. Also I grew to love Ben and his resiliance. Like least? The vicar/Simon? He got so annoying, just couldn’t make a decision. I respect his admittance of lack of faith, but surely he could move on somewhere.
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But aren’t the twins just caricatures for many young people today? Lady Milton’s comment about their phones “glued to their phone as if they were life support machines”. That was what was so interesting about a lot of the character building. It was such interesting commentary on society and culture today.
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I had a hard time getting “into” Brodie but once I understood him I thought he was clever and a good detective.
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I liked Lady Milton, or Honoria, best. (I also liked Fran, so kind. And I liked Sophie/Melanie/Beatrice, the best kind of thief IMO). Piers and Cosmos were the two characters I liked least. Lady Milton was smart and curious, and Piers and Cosmos acted like two spoiled, entitled boys in adult bodies.
Love her! In all of her upper-class snobbishness, she still keeps a steady eye on those around her. I’m reminded of Professor T’s lovely mother putting him on notice. She would make the perfect actress for a TV series of this series!
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Laura, You summed up my exact feelings about those three characters
I was disappointed that Brodie wasn’t more of a presence. There for a while I thought the author might be retiring him and phasing in Reggie… Never mind.
Lady Milton was by far my favorite. She seemed to channel every aristocratic, opinionated older gentlelady I love from BBC historical dramas. I picture the late Maggie Smith, playing her role..if only that were possible.
My least favorite was Ben as he was too fluid in his transformation from wounded soldier to domestic servant. His lack of persistent character role was unsettling and not believable if you consider his military background.
I agree with your observation about Brodie’s cleverness. His dry sense of humor was quite entertaining and it seemed to keep Reggie on her toes.
Best: Brodie and his sense of humor. Least: Ian and Hazel. Their back and forth comments were annoying. A close second was Piers.